This boat is a'rockn!
It was one week ago I had my first cochlear implant surgery. It has been a week of....,you know what you would call that place of fire and brimstone. I woke up while I was still in the OR,
jumping to my left side to heave and heave.
The vomiting/dry heaves continued because the vertigo would not
stop. I was supposed to go home. How many times have I had patients myself with
similar procedures that went home within the hour or two of getting to
recovery? Every time. I ended up having to stay in the hospital. My eyes would not focus or stay still. The nystagmus was ongoing. I couldn’t read, words or lips! I couldn’t just look at anything. I was literally bed bound, eyes closed. Yes, the bedpans came out. When I made it home, I just stayed in bed
doing absolutely nothing but sleep and sit there. On day 3 my ear started swelling up, weeping,
getting really itchy with little hives around it and on it. I was starting to fear to worse, that my body
was rejecting the implant. I was worried I was going to be dizzy for the
rest of my life, I was worried that I was going to have to have another surgery
to explant the device. It was a relief when
I finally made it to see Dr. Crawford.
Apparently I was allergic to an adhesive that they used during surgery,
not the implant. We were both
relieved. Dr Crawford said it will take
a few months for my brain to adapt and stabilize. Because of my “special” EVA, there was a transition
in fluid when he put the electrodes in. I am now currently dealing with vertigo, loss
of sensation/taste on left side of my tongue, tinnitus (loud ringing in my ear), at times it keeps me awake at night. I
am still sleeping upright, and having pain from the implant itself which is
mild compared to the vertigo. I have 4 girls
who need their mom and a life to live. I
have been blessed to have family and friends that I have stopped by with meals,
help with baby Brynn, clean my house. I could
not have functioned this past week without all their help and
thoughtfulness. I would like to think
the worst of it is over. Sure it is
going to be challenging for a while but..... I got this. The boat may be rocking for a while, but...... we got this.
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